After the announcement that former South African president Nelson Mandela died earlier today, people around the world took pause to reflect on the anti-apartheid hero. In B.C., political leaders and members alike spoke about what Mandela brought to his country and the world.
Earlier today BC1 spoke to Vancouver Quadra MP Joyce Murray, who grew up in South Africa before immigrating to Canada, to get her recollection of the country and the man.
“I went back to university for a year in 1972, which was the height of apartheid,” Murray told BC1 anchor Lynn Collier. “It was so worrisome and appalling what was going on.
“In my view, Nelson Mandela saved South Africa, it’s as simple as that.”
The Vancouver Quadra MP goes on to say that his passing brings her a mixture of feeling very sad and very moved, especially when she thinks about the celebration of his life.
“All the gifts he gave South Africa and the world,” Murray said. “I can only hope the leaders that are following in his footsteps in South Africa have a fraction of the wisdom that Nelson Mandela had, so that they can continue on this path of democracy he’s brought to the country.”
Vancouver Quadra MP Joyce Murray speaks with Lynn Colliar on BC1
B.C. Premier Christy Clark also reflected on Mandela’s death in a statement she issued earlier today.
In the statement Premier Clark said:
“Along with the rest of the world, I was saddened to hear of the death of one of humanity’s true heroes, Nelson Mandela.
With the example he set, incalculable personal courage and true leadership, Mandela literally transformed his country. Largely because of him, South Africa’s transition from apartheid to multiracial democracy was peaceful. It’s easy to forget it could have been very different.
Few people can claim a better legacy, or have made a more significant difference.
My thoughts are with Mr. Mandela’s family and the people of the country he loved. He was South African, but he belonged to the world.”
On BC1: Premier Clark issues a statement
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson expressed extreme sadness on the passing of Mandela saying, “he was an inspiration to millions around the world for his unrelenting belief that the impossible is possible.”
“He forged a legacy of compassionate determination, on that changed the course of history for South Africa and the world. His ability to move beyond anger, to a place of empathy and respect, brought together a divided country and serves as a testament to the human ability to have faith in one another.
“In this Year of Reconciliation in the City of Vancouver, we owe a debt of gratitude to Nelson Mandela, whose example will live on in the hearts and minds of people all across the world.”
Social media was deluged with thoughts, photos, quotes and other tributes to Mandela.
British Columbians weigh in on the anti-apartheid hero Mandela’s death.
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